We've been in sunny Hawaii for a few days now and spirits are high. After landing here about two hours before the start of 2014, we were able to make it to the 444 with enough time to watch fireworks from the roof. On New Year's Day, everyone did a single pool workout, bought groceries, and got situated in the condos. Each condo at the 444 is a little different, and my roommates and I are fortunate enough to have a dishwasher that is partially outdoors, which definitely adds to the tropical vibe. This week, all of the groups have been training at the Punahou School, which is the high school that President Obama attended. The middle distance and distance groups have combined to do some challenging lactate sets, including a very rainy 24 x 75s max effort and a stand up set of 10 x 100s. The female sprint group has been hitting it hard with the kicking, and has also done the traditional Fishburn set and a speedy stand up set of 4 x 75s, 5 x 50s, and 6 x 25s. The male sprinters have put in some tough aerobic work, including Fishburn and the 12 x 300s test set, along with power work involving bands, running dives, and pocketed drag suits. All groups have been training hard outside of the pool as well, and have been making use of the weight room at Punahou and the roof of the 444 for dryland sessions. Across the board, everyone is training well and having a great time. Aside from training, people have been hanging out on Waikiki Beach, enjoying the coconut pancakes and the fish fry at local restaurants, and some groups are planning to take trips to North Shore and Makapu'u Beach. We all have a single workout or an off day coming up, and we're looking forward to some time to relax and explore the island. It's been an awesome start to the trip, and more fast training and fun is to come!